The efforts of individuals to put up their own Christmas lighting in Harwich and Dovercourt have been praised.

But Marian Rowland, co-ordinator of the Teen Talk service from Dovercourt High Street, has joined calls for the town to unite to ensure a proper community celebration next year.

Mrs Rowland said: "People in their own homes have made a real effort and there are plenty of people who appreciate it. One trader put up lights in Gravel Hill Way and it just seemed to take off from there."

We reported efforts were being made to revive both festive lighting and late-night shopping evenings in both Harwich and Dovercourt.

Mrs Rowland backed those plans and added: "I wish them all the best. It would be a sad day to see it all go."

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